They could call it ‘Chic’ but don’t, they call it ‘Barnyard1978’: we did not care because it is still chic. They say it is ‘contemporary, casual dining’; we say it is chic whatever it is they are doing whether serving breakfast lunch or an elegant dinner. ‘Barnyard1978’, a solitary restaurant set in a field of their vines. You don’t find a cellar door - it is within their restaurant - their wines, along with curated guest wines, are a complement to their food. Just an impression but it has, in my mind, an attitude that infers wine is important, of course; but it is not paramount. That the meal is first chosen, with wine then selected to best suit - to achieve a marriage that brings out the best of both; where the restaurant is intended as a theatre for a culinary performance involving produce-with-provenance: for both food and drink without pretence. In that manner: predominate in a corner of the vineyard, solitary, stands bespoke Barnyard1977; making the restaurant the ‘all’ of it. It has an architectural flair that gives you designer-delight from views inside and out. Where the best of chefs create for you the best that can be crafted from the best of predominantly local-provenance. Where the culinary experience is designed to be first and foremost the meal, where they work hard to make it the best presentation that they can of occasion, place, and multi-sensory taste, in an ambience as tasteful as they can create while making it seem effortless. Barnyard1978 is to me a statement of that ethos. As if to further make the point, their unique, equally chic chalets are set a short walk away: set naturally in the vineyard as close to nature as cosmopolitan living can be. For whatever reason, and all of these, I hope that you also discover Barnyard1978, so you decide for yourselves. What do I know? Nothing, except that I like Barnyard1978 - a lot. Or, at the least, I think you should look at their designer restaurant, and their contemporary Hives’, and taste their honey. And, of course,...
Read moreMy visit to Barnyard 1978 in Margaret River was an absolute highlight, delivering an experience that was memorable from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, the hostess was simply wonderful. Her welcome was incredibly warm and genuine, and her smile never left her face, making us feel instantly at ease and truly valued. This kind of genuine hospitality truly sets the tone for a fantastic meal.
The ambiance of the restaurant was absolutely magical. Barnyard 1978 offers a stunning setting that perfectly complements the Margaret River region's charm. The atmosphere was captivating, creating a delightful backdrop for our dining experience.
And then, the food was exceptional. We tried several dishes, and each one was prepared to perfection. The duck was outstanding, cooked beautifully and bursting with flavor. The fish dish was equally impressive, fresh and expertly prepared. But the real star was the lamb neck it was incredibly tender, rich, and simply melted in the mouth. Every dish showcased high-quality ingredients and skillful execution.
Barnyard 1978 is more than just a meal; it's a complete dining experience. The combination of the incredibly welcoming hostess, the enchanting atmosphere, and the truly excellent food makes it a must-visit in the Margaret River region. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a memorable culinary journey in a...
Read moreAte here on the Monday of the recent long weekend before returning to Perth. The indoor tables were all reserved despite many appearing available so we were seated outside on the verandah that chilly winter morn. Luckily it wasn't busy at that time so we picked a nice spot under a gas heater and with our winter woollies we were comfortable. Foot traffic built up quiclky around us soon after and we observed people coming and going just as quickly because they couldn't be seated (?). The parking lot filled up fast too. The coffee was good. The food was fresh & delicious - quality produce and their choice of bacon was amazing. The use of earthenware lends a lovely country touch. I would've given 4 stars if not for the bill shock - approx. $65 for 2 for breakfast NB: this did include a public holiday surcharge. Whilst we are not cheap, it was pricey. We go out for breakfast regularly and admit there's a lot of expensive mediocre breakfasts in WA that we are all too often subjected to which become the baseline of our norm - so it is a pity we must then justify (and accept) an exhorbitantly priced breakfast because it's as it should be...good. Please don't get me wrong - this place is great. Reserve your table and know that the food, coffee, location and nice touches will not dissapoint in making up for a high bill at...
Read more